GUEST POST By LISA SAVAGE Who’s the oldest here? is a phrase I heard frequently while growing up as the eldest of four siblings. Generally, it meant that I was about to get punished for a scuffle with my brother or sister and as a result the phrase had negative connotations. Now the phrase is coming to mind as I process the loss of my uncle, [...]
Pat Taub
GUEST POST by TONI KIEF I’m a writer. During the pandemic, I learned what writer’s block truly meant. So out of frustration, I took an online class, and David Sedaris said I should walk. I found that silly, but then I took another class where Dan Brown told us to walk. So, I started walking. I live in a growing small town, where [...]
Pat Taub
Count me among the countless fans and admirers of Diane Keaton who were shocked and saddened by her sudden death on October 11th. Her wide-ranging movie roles—from Woody Allen’s comedic sidekick to the tormented protagonist of “Mr. Goodbar” to the fiery journalist, Louise Bryant in “Reds”–along with her off screen life [...]
Pat Taub
This past weekend I saw Raoul Peck’s powerful new documentary, “Orwell: 2+2=5.” It was inspired by George Orwell’s novel, “1984,” depicting a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime called the Party controls every aspect of life. Peck’s film is intended as a wake-up call for America. He draws parallels [...]
Pat Taub
I rankle whenever I hear the term, “successful aging,” which has become the Boomers’ mantra. I take issue because it implies there is a right and wrong way to age where successful aging is defined in terms of a self-centered wellness regime. I find it even more irritating when successful aging becomes a competitive sport with a tendency [...]
Pat Taub
If you’re looking for inspiration in tackling a new artistic venture or reviving a project, then The Painted Ladies of Portland, Maine is your ticket. Recently I sat down with the five remarkable artists who make up The Painted Ladies, curious to learn how they came together and how they support one another in their artmaking. For them, [...]
Pat Taub
In our hugely unsettled world, many are seeking refuge in the company of books. To guide you in pursuit of books that will transport, educate and inspire, I’m offering my selections for solitary reading or to share with your book group. FICTION What We Can Know by Ian McEwan McEwan’s latest work, which has critics ecstatic. The [...]
Pat Taub
Did you know, if you’re an older woman, you possess superpowers? On first reading this, you might feel baffled. Many older women have grown used to feeling diminished through the cultural messages which define us in terms of our aging bodies. But we’re much more than our wrinkles, reduced flexibility, puffy tummies and gray hairs. [...]
Pat Taub
GUEST POST by ABBY FULLER Never underestimate the power of spending three days with 4,500 principled, smart, and tireless people trying to stop a genocide. I was privileged to be among this steadfast group when I attended the Second People’s Conference for Palestine in Detroit last month. The theme of the conference was “Gaza is our compass.” [...]
Pat Taub
GUEST POST by MARY LOU MACKIN Before I retired my life was safe and predictable. I couldn’t imagine what it would mean not to work. I was responsible for a large publishing team, two demanding authors, and a product line that delivered the lion’s share of company revenues year after year. I was an adept problem solver. I flew under [...]
Pat Taub